You don’t have access to a gym or need to stay in your house? No matter! You can effectively work out in the comfort of your home. Here are some exercise and equipment ideas to keep fit in these extraordinary times.
Buying Equipment Online: The Essentials
Even with a small budget, it is possible to purchase enough training equipment for a full and productive workout. Some items are more essential than others, so before you grab the first gadget that comes your way, check to see if it will actually be useful.
One of the items you should purchase is free weights. Depending on your strength level, choose different weights with the idea of working your way up. As time goes by and you build muscle, you will need heavier weights.
Resistance bands are also stars in the home gym. They help strengthen and firm almost every part of the body. Simply change their position to increase or decrease resistance. Several videos on the web offer exercises for optimal use.
Ankle or upper body weights are essential to increasing the level of difficulty of any movement, especially the ones aimed at improving cardiovascular abilities. They sit around ankles or are put on like a jacket. They are available in multiple colours, designs and weights.
TRX is a strap suspension system that hooks on to the ceiling and, thanks to the exercises presented in the instruction manual, allows you to work all the muscles of your body. This way, you will only need one piece of equipment to exercise, which is incredibly practical! However, it can quickly become boring.
A comfortable mat is also important to have in your gym to minimize floor impact on the body and to prevent your feet from slipping while exercising. A yoga mat is ideal, but you can use a simple living room carpet if it works.
Small Budget? Use What You Have at Home
If your budget is limited, you can work out without spending a dime. Here are some ideas:
A basic chair: It can be used for an exercise called dips. Stand with your back to the seat and rest your hands on it as you lower and lift your body to strengthen the triceps. A lightweight chair can also be used as an extra weight when doing squats. Just hold a hind leg firmly with each hand, with your arms raised in front of you.
The wall: The walls of the house can also be useful. For example, you can do standing push-ups by pressing your hands to the walls and moving your feet away from the edge so that you achieve a level of difficulty that is appropriate to your physical abilities. Likewise, you can push your back against the wall with your legs at 90 degrees and hold several seconds, which works your abdominal muscles.
The kids’ toys: The mini trampoline or your children’s skipping rope can help you stay fit and improve your cardiovascular endurance. Also, a small bouncing ball that you throw against the wall repeatedly in a squatting position will strengthen both your arms and abs. This same ball can be used to strengthen your core: with your buttocks on the ground, leaning slightly back, lift your legs and then move the ball so that it touches the ground on each side of your body as you rotate your abs.
No equipment: There are a variety of exercises that do not require any equipment, such as sit-ups, floor push-ups, jumping jacks, squats or burpees. Be creative and make up a routine!
The Internet to the Rescue
Another easy tip for working out at home is to turn to the Internet. Several health influencers offer online exercises. Also, some professionals provide video routines to download. There’s something for everyone: cardio training, endurance, exercises focused on the lower or upper body, weight loss, body building, etc., and for all levels, from beginner to veteran.
Pick a Bright and Inspiring Spot
To exercise at home, choose a location that will be motivating. Natural light is your best ally; by positioning yourself near a window, you’ll be filling up on vitamin D. Otherwise, make sure the room is well lit by artificial light. In terms of decor, focus on bright and vibrant colours like yellow and red. The children’s playroom is usually a perfect place to set up your equipment. Add a few boxes for extra storage and you’re done!
Have you been inspired to install a workout corner in your home?